CD Review: Paul Marinaro, "Mood Ellington"

    Acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro has released his fifth album, Mood Ellington, and the results are nothing short of triumphant. This ambitious project, into which Marinaro has poured a massive amount of work and passion, proves that every ounce of effort was well worth it. Mood Ellington is a 25-track double-disc exploration of songs written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, and it stands as both a tribute and a reinvention of two of jazz’s most towering composers.

For this project, Marinaro enlisted 13 accomplished arrangers, each bringing a unique voice to their charts and contributing to a narrative arc that flows beautifully across the set. The project is completed by Marinaro’s beautiful, deep baritone voice and his impeccable stylized phrasing, which feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Marinaro thoughtfully divides the album into three thematic sets:

• Set One celebrates love and beauty with the first nine songs.

• Set Two moves into more introspective and somber territory.

• Set Three — on Disc Two — offers eight songs that feel more realistic, sardonic, mature, and exotic, rounding out an emotional and musical journey.

The 13 world-class arrangers contributing to Mood Ellington include: John Kornegay, Alan Broadbent, John Clayton, Carey Deadman, Chuck Israels, Mike Downes, Ryan Cohan, Jim Gailloreto, Bill Cunliffe, Chuck Owen, Tom Garling, Tom Matta, and Mike Allemana — a veritable who’s who of contemporary jazz orchestrators.

Paul Marinaro’s vocal personality, style, and rich baritone are ideally suited to the material of   When you add the high-level musicians performing behind him and these marvelous arrangements, the result is easily one of the finest Ellington interpretations recorded in recent years. Mood Ellington captures the genius and spirit of Ellington and Strayhorn and puts new life into each of their compositions. My hat goes off to Paul Marinaro — for his beautiful vocals, his artistic vision, and for seeing this monumental project through to publication.

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PLAYLIST: — Mood Ellington

DISC ONE — Set One (Love & Beauty)

1. I’m Beginning to See the Light — 3:52

2. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing — 5:34

3. I’m Just a Lucky So and So — 4:16

4. Love You Madly — 3:26

5. Sophisticated Lady — 4:58

6. I Like the Sunrise — 5:15

7. Just Squeeze Me — 4:53

8. It Shouldn’t Happen to a Dream — 4:11

9. In a Mellow Tone — 3:42

Set Two (Reflection & Mood)
10. Mood Indigo — 5:43
11. Azure — 3:54
12. Don’t You Know I Care (or Don’t You Care to Know) — 4:52
13. I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good) — 5:02
14. (In My) Solitude — 6:21
15. All Too Soon — 4:39
16. Lush Life — 3:52
17. (I Want) Something to Live For — 5:11

DISC TWO — Set Three (Realism & Exotic Tones)

1. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore — 5:05

2. Take Love Easy — 3:56

3. Day Dream — 5:05

4. I Ain’t Got Nothin’ but the Blues — 5:46

5. Caravan — 4:53

6. I Didn’t Know About You — 4:14

7. In a Sentimental Mood — 4:39

8. Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me — 5:42 

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PLAYERS;

Core Ensemble

• Paul Marinaro — vocals

• Tom Vaitsas — piano

• Mike Allemana — guitar

• John Tate — bass

• Neil Hemphill — drums

• Rich Moore — alto saxophone, clarinet, flute

• John Wojciechowski — tenor & soprano sax, flute

• Ted Hogarth — baritone sax, bass clarinet

• Eric Jacobson — trumpet, flugelhorn

• Raphael Crawford — trombone

String Section (Violin)

• Lisa Fako (Concert Master), Eleanor Bartsch, Stephen Boe, Chuck Bontrager, Christina Buciu, Kathleen Carter, Karl Davies, Wendy Evans, Elizabeth Huffman, Carmen Kassinger, Kathryn Siegel, Jeff Yang

Arrangers

• Mike Allemana

• Alan Broadbent

• John Clayton

• Ryan Cohan

• Bill Cunliffe

• Carey Deadman

• Mike Downes

• Jim Gailloreto

• Tom Garling

• Chuck Israels

• John Kornegay

• Tom Matta

• Chuck Owen

Production Credits

• Produced by Paul Marinaro & Jim Gailloreto

• Executive Producer: Lois Cory

• Recorded & Mixed by Mat Lejeune at Chicago Recording Company, Chicago, IL

• Mastered by Dave McNair 

   I have attached two tracks from "Mood Ellington" for your listening pleasure.  The first is an Ellington

tune I was not familiar with but liked a lot, "All To Soon" that was arranged by Trombonist Tom Garling. The second song is one we all know, "Just Squeeze Me" arranged by Pianist Ryan Cohan.

"All To Soon"

 

"Just Squeeze Me"

CD Review: Deborah Silver, "Basie Rocks"

Vocalist Deborah Silver has just released her groundbreaking new album, Basie Rocks, a vibrant and swinging reinterpretation of some of the most iconic rock classics of the last fifty years. What makes this project truly exceptional is Silver’s bold choice to reimagine these beloved hits through the rich, brassy textures and signature rhythms of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart.

Silver explains, “These classic rock songs are actually the soundtrack of my life. As a vocalist, I have always loved performing timeless big band arrangements, and it has been incredibly exciting to bring these two worlds together.” And she does so with elegance, flair, and a voice that is as strong and confident as it is silky and seductive.

On Basie Rocks, Deborah Silver doesn’t simply cover rock tunes—she transforms them. Each track is revitalized with swaggering horn sections, swinging rhythm, and sophisticated jazz phrasing. From high-energy anthems to tender ballads, the album is a seamless and joyful fusion of three powerhouse elements: the timeless melodies of classic rock, the infectious swing of the Count Basie Orchestra, and the luxurious voice of Deborah Silver. 

A large cast of super talented "Hall of Fame" musicians contributed to this project.  their contributions make "Basie Rocks" one of the year's best Jazz album!  The group included Peter Frampton, Kurt Elling, Steve Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Pedrito Martinez, John Clayton, Monte Croft, Trombone Shorty, Bill Frisell, George Coleman, Wycliffe Gordon, Herlin Riley and Scotty Barnhart.

I have attached two cuts from "Basie Rocks" for your listening pleasure.  The first is the Sting block buster, "Every Breath You Take" and the second is the Rolling Stone's classic "Paint It, Black" with a wonderful solo from Arturo Sandoval.

                                                                    "Every Breath You Take"

                                                                "Paint It, Black"

 PLAYLIST:

1. Paint It, Black (feat. Arturo Sandoval & Pedrito Martínez)

2. Bennie and the Jets

3. Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)

4. Tainted Love (feat. Kurt Elling, Steve Jordan & John Clayton)

5. Band on the Run

6. A Hard Day’s Night (feat. Monte Croft)

7. Joy to the World (feat. Trombone Shorty)

8. Fly Like an Eagle (feat. Bill Frisell)

9. Every Breath You Take (feat. George Coleman)

10. Old Time Rock & Roll (feat. Wycliffe Gordon & Herlin Riley)

11. Life’s Been Good (feat. Scotty Barnhart)

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PLAYERS:

• Deborah Silver – Vocals

• The Count Basie Orchestra – Full ensemble conducted by Scotty Barnhart

• Arturo Sandoval – Trumpet

• Pedrito Martínez – Percussion

• Peter Frampton – Guitar

• Kurt Elling – Vocals

• Steve Jordan – Drums & Co-producer

• John Clayton – Bass

• Monte Croft – Vibraphone

• Trombone Shorty – Trombone & Vocals

• Bill Frisell – Guitar

• George Coleman – Tenor Saxophone

• Wycliffe Gordon – Trombone & Vocals

• Herlin Riley – Drums/Washboard

• Lisa Fischer & Bernard Fowler – Background Vocals

The Count Basie Orchestra’s deep roster includes standout players such as David Glasser, Frank Greene, Clarence Banks, Glen Pearson, Will Matthews, Trevor Ware, and Robert Boone, among others—each contributing their own Basie-authentic flair to the production.

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CD Review: Doug MacDonald "I'll See You In My Dreams"

 

Multi-talented Guitarist Doug MacDonald has released a new CD, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and it's exactly what the best of American Jazz is about.  Doug has included a group of standards and two of his own original compositions on the CD.  In addition, he has brought with him one of the finest Jazz trios performing today, Pianist Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton on Bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums.  Doug's life evolves around music.  He is always experimenting with music both old and new, recording new CDs, composing and an MC at a local Southern California radio Jazz show.  Doug performs almost nightly in every part of Southern California to the delight of his thousands of fans.

If someone new to Jazz had any questions about what American Jazz is all about they need to listen to Doug's new CD.  Doug and the three musicians playing on this CD have performed some of the greatest music in the country.   All four musicians are outstanding whether playing solo or playing in a group.  

Doug offers these reflextions on why he did this recording. "In the mid-eighties I was a member of the Snooky Young/Bob Cooper Sextet, The Jack Sheldon Group and played in an early version of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Now here we are almost 40 years later, together again".  We are also delighted that Doug, Tamir, John and Jeff got together again!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos from this CD.  The first is the Matt Dennis/Tony Adair standard, "Will You Still Be Mine" and the second is a delightful Blues tune "New Mark".

                                                                  "Will You Still Be Mine"

                                                                       "New Mark"

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar

Tamir Hendelman- Piano

John Clayton- Bass

Jeff Hamilton- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. I'll See You In My Dreams

2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

3. Don'Cha GO Way Mad

4. My Ship

5. New Mark

6. Easy To Love

7. Tis Autumn

8. More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows

9. Will You Still Be Mine

CD Review: Craig Davis, "Tone Paintings"

 Pianist Craig Davis is a major player in the Pittsburgh Jazz scene.  He recently released his new CD, "Tone Paintings: The Music of Dodo Marmarosa". Dodo Marmarosa was a major performer in the 1940s and was compared to the giants of bebop pianists like Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk.  He worked in bands led by most of the major swing-era bandleaders, including Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw.  He worked with legendary musicians including Lester Young, Barney Kessel, Lionel Hampton, Slim Gaillard and Mel Torme.  But things changed quickly by the end of the decade for Marmarosa due to health reasons and he became a near recluse for much of the rest of his life 

 Craig Davis has been on a mission to raise Dodo's profile in Jazz history.  Both Davis and Marmarosa perform by blending both classical influences and progressive Jazz into one voice.  On his new album,  Davis offers his beautiful interpretations to ten classic Marmarosa tunes as well as a new song he wrote dedicated to Marmarosa.  Davis explains "Dodo's story really resonated with me because he was such an enigmatic figure.  He never got the recognition he deserved beyond having a flurry of fame in the forties.  I thought maybe I could help bring his music to light".  Davis goes on to say "We share similar stylistic interests.  I love bebop and of course he was a bebop innovator, and we're both classically trained and bring those influences to our music. He also tried to push the art form forward a little bit and not just kind of settle on what was popular. Dorsey didn't like him because he was too progressive, but Artie Shaw loved it.  All the music on this CD is musically beautiful! 

Davis brought two of the finest musicians in modern Jazz today to join him,  John Clayton one of the most accomplished Bass players in Jazz history and Jeff Hamilton one of the tecnically proficient Drummers in the Jazz world.  I am sure most of you are more than familar with John and Jeff and know that if they agree to participate in a new CD, it will always produce great sounds.  

I found two cuts from the CD on "YouTube" for your listening pleasure.  The first is "Dodo's Bounce" which gives both Clayton and Hamilton a lot of room to show their stuff.  The second one is "Mellow Mood" a song written by Marmarosa when he was 14 years old.

                                                                  "Dodo's Bounce"

                                                                   "Mellow Mood"

Playlist:

1. Mellow Mood

2. Dodo's Bounce

3. Dodo's Blues

4. Escape

5. A Ditty For Dodo

6. Opus No. 5

7. Compadoo

8. Dary Departs

9. Tone Paintings

10. Battle of the Balcony Jive

11. Dodo's Lament

Players:

Piano-Craig Davis

Bass-John Clayton

Drums-Jeff Hamilton

CD Review: Graham Dechter: "Major Influence"

 Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Graham Dechter has recently released his 3rd CD as a leader.  It is at times hard to believe that Graham Dechter is still in his twenties because he has made such a big impression on the Jazz world over the last 15 years.  Graham was hired  by John Hamilton and John Clayton to join the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra at the age of 19.  He was only 22 when he released his first recording as leader, "Right On Time" that received rave reviews.  His second release "Takin' It There" was on the Jazz Week chart for 22 weeks including 12 weeks in the top five spot and two weeks at number 1.  

For this new CD Graham brought what many Jazz lovers, including me, think is one of the best rhythm section performing today,  John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton.  The icing on this Jazz cake was the addition of Tamir Hendelman.   These three magnificent Jazz musicians have been making some of the best Jazz music together for years and adding Graham Dechter as leader has produced another brilliant Jazz CD.

Graham wrote and arranged all but one of the tunes.  He also co-arranged the classic "Pure Imagination" with Jeff Hamilton. According to Graham, "After completing seven originals and co-arranging "Pure Imagination with Mr. Hamilton, I came to the realization that every song on this recording, whether consciously or subconsciously, was dedicated to and/or directly influenced by one or more of my musical heroes"; Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, George Shearing, Art Blakey, Larry Goldings and Thelonious Monk.

Graham Dechter has a busy schedule on the Jazz circuit including appearing with many of the most popular Jazz musicians performing today including Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Cole, Michael Buble, Leon Russell and Charles Aznavour.  He was also featured on the soundtrack for the hit film "La La Land".

We all look forward to many more Jazz sounds from Graham Dechter in the future!

I have attached two "YouTubes" videos with cuts from "Major Influence" for your listening pleasure.  Both are original compositions by Graham.  The first is entitled "Reference" and the second is "Bent On Monk".

                                                                        "Reference"

                                                                        "Bent On Monk"

PLAYLIST:

1. Orange Coals

2. Reference

3. Major Influence

4. Moonithology

5. Minor Influence

6. Pure Imagination

7. Bent On Monk

8. Billy's Dilemma

PLAYERS:

Graham Dechter: Guitar, Compositions, Arranging

Tamir Hendelman: Piano

John Clayton: Bass

Jeff Hamilton: Drums, Production

                                               

                                                                       

CD Review: Patrice Jégou "If It Ain't Love"

Patrice Jégou (Pronounced Zhay-goo) has just released her second CD "If It Ain't Love" and it's a winner!  There are 16 wonderful songs on the playlist of this CD and Patrice shows she can handle ballads and swinging tunes without a misstep.  Her voice is velvety and smooth and she handles lyrics like the seasoned pro she is.  Take a good look at the different songs she sings on her CD, they cover a lot of vocal territory and Patrice performs every one with faultless execution.  The list of musical talents she recruited on this CD is also remarkable.  Here is a list of some of best arrangers who worked on this recording:  Jorge Calandrelli (arranger for Barbara Streisand and Tony Bennett), John Clayton, Mark Kibble of TAKE 6 and David Paich (writer of such hits as "Rosanna" and "Africa" and son of legendary arranger Marty Paich) and  LA Pianist Mike Land.  Patice also brought in the always outstanding Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra that really swings on "Jersey Bounce", "If It Ain't Love", "Just Squeeze Me" and "Please Send Me Someone To Love". 

Every aspect of this CD is impeccable, starting with the songs, the arrangements, the sound engineers, the Orchestra Conductors, and the musicians.  Even though this is my first experience with Patrice Jégou, her voice and style make me feel warm and safe like spending time with an old friend.  Thank you, Holly Cooper of Mouthpiece Music for opening this musical door for me!

PLAYLIST:
1. "Lover Come Back to Me"
2. "Jersey Bounce"
3. "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads"
4. "Yes We Can, Can"
5. "I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today"
6. "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams"
7. "If It Ain't Love"
8. "Estate"
9. "Lover Come Back to Me"
10. "Waltz for Debby"
11. "Losing You"
12. "just Squeeze Me"
13. "Where Do You Start"
14. "Remembrances"
15. "Please Send Me Someone to Love"
16. "It Might Be You"

I have attached a "YouTube" of Patrice Jégou singing "Waltz For Debbie" from her new CD.  This is a perfectly wonderful musical and visual painting by Patrice singing this Jazz classic written by Bill Evans with lyric by Gene Lees.  It doesn't get any prettier than this!

I have attached a second "YouTube" of Patrice Jégou singing the classic big band song "Jersey Bounce" with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

CD Review: Adam Schroeder "Let's"

I have been an Adam Schroeder fan ever since I heard him playing his Bari Sax several years ago at one of Pete Carlson's Jazz nights.  Adam is one of the few masters of the Bari Sax.  As a former Alto Sax player, I can tell you that even though the keys of all Saxophones are the same,  it's unusual to hear any Alto and/or Tenor player also playing Bari Sax.  My guess as to why is that the Bari Sax is so big it takes a much greater effort and a lot more air to navigate this horn correctly.

When performing, Adam Schroeder makes it look like playing the Bari Sax is easy!  His tone is smooth and mellow and his improvisation is fresh and pleasing.  I met Adam again last month when he was playing a Jazz concert at Pete Carlson's Jazz Club and during our conversation, he mentioned that he wanted me to hear his lasest CD that I had missed.  This CD, "Let's" was released a few years ago and it lives up to my Adam Schroeder expectations.

Adam composed 5 of the 11 songs on this CD and his compositions are impressive.   He also invited three of the best current Jazz players in the country to join him on this CD.  Every player is on my Jazz favorites list: Anthony Wilson on Guitar, John Clayton on Bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums.

Players:
Adam Schroeder- Bari Sax
Anthony Wilson-Guitar
John Clayton-Bass
Jeff Hamilton-Drums

Playlist:
1. "Hello Bright Sunflower"
2. "In the Middle of the Kiss"
3. "Just Clap Your Hands"
4. "You and I"
5. "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams"
6. "A Hawkeye, A Hoosier, and Two Cali Cats"
7. "Contemplation"
8. "Patient Endurance, Steady Hope"
9. "Let's"
10. "Southside Samba"
11. "The Smulyan Spectacles"

I have attached a "YouTube" of the song "Just Clap Your Hands" written by Adam Schroeder that fully utilizes the outstanding rhythm section of Wilson, Clayton and Hamilton.  I also attached a second "YouTube" of the group playing the Benny Carter tune, "Southside Samba"  that is a fun recording.  Adam Schroeder performs with several big bands in the California area so don't miss any chance to hear him play!

 

CD Review: Aimee Nolte "Looking For The Answers"

Vocalist, Pianist, Arranger and Song writer Aimee Nolte has released her newest CD, "Looking For The Answers" on April 12, 2019 and its stunningly good!  She is one talented person with a clear soft voice that at times can sound more like a musical instrument than a voice.  I was drawn into the songs on this CD one by one including the 8 songs that Aimee composed.  Her lyrics are compelling and believable and her melodies are haunting and hard to turn away from.  Honestly this is not the type of music that hits my musical hotspot, but once I started listening to Aimee sing and play, it was too late for me to escape, I was captured.  Aimee is a super-star musician and her career will surely build from here.

Aimee has selected some strong Jazz players to join her on this CD who I have listed below.  I had a hard time deciding what cuts from this CD I should attach to this review because I loved every one of them.  I decided you needed to hear one of her original songs, "This One Hurts" and I had to include her duet with John Clayton.  Then I found another "YouTube" of Aimee playing and singing "Have You Met Miss Jones" that I just had to share with you.

Playlist:
1. "The Loveliest Girl"
2." Looking for the Answers"
3. "Falling Snow"
4."The One Hurts"
5. "I Gotta Get"
6. "Save Me One Last Time"
7. "Bye Bye Blackbird"
8. "All Too Soon"
9. "So In Love"
10. "You Should've"
11. "For A While"

Players:
1. Aimee Nolte- Vocals, Piano, Organ, Synth Bass
2. John Clayton- Bass (7)
3. Bruce Lett- Bass (1,2,3,5,10)
4. James Yoshizawa- Drums
5. Mike Scott- Guitar (2,3,5,10)
6. Jason Neubauer- Guitar (1)
7. Doug Webb- Woodwinds (1)b,John Reilly
8. John Reilly- Woodwinds (6)
  
I have attached a "YouTube" of Aimee singing "Bye Bye Blackbird" a duet with  the great Bassist John Clayton that I love.  I have attached a 2nd "YouTube" of Aimee playing and singing "Have You Met Miss Jones" that is not on this CD but I think gives you a better idea of Aimee's talent and range.  Lastly, I have attached a "YouTube" of Aimee singing one of her own songs, "This One Hurts".

CD Review: Terell Stafford "BrotherLee Love"

It's time to leave the "Great American Songbook" for a while and get back to the "Great American Jazz Songbook".  I just finished listening to some straight-away Jazz from Trumpeter Terrell Stafford.  His new CD "BrotherLee Love" is a tribute to the soulful musical legacy of Philadelphia's Lee Morgan.  Stafford is not a Philadelphia native but for the past two decades he has helped past the torch to the next generation through his work as Director of Jazz and Chair of instrumental studies at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance.   According to Stafford, "This project is about how I was embraced by this city and about a Trumpet player who has always been a huge inspiration to me".  Stafford offers this for Lee Morgan, "The Trumpet was merely a vehicle to express who he was.  There was rasp, there was grit, there was personality, there was sass, exactly who he was as a person was inside of his sound and that's what I loved about it".

There are nine cuts on the album, seven were written by Lee Morgan, one "Favor" was written by Terell and the last song is a beautiful interpretation of Alex Kramer's ballet "Candy".  Terrell features his rock-star quintet of Saxophonist Tim Warfield,  Pianist Bruce Barth,  Bassist Peter Washington, and Drummer Dana Hall.  Every one of these guys is a great musical Jazz star.  To put a top on this beautiful piece of Jazz art, Terrell selected the great John Clayton produce the CD.  When you deal with the top musicians, they only surround themselves with the best and this outstanding CD proves why that is the only way to go!

This is a Jazz Trumpet performance at it highest level.

              PLAYLIST

1. "Hocus Pocus"                                       2. "Mr Kenyatta"
3. "Petty Larceny"                                      4. "Candy"
5. "Yes I Can, No You Can't"                     6. "Favor" 
7. "Stop Start"                                            8. "Carolyn"
9. "Speedball" 

I have attached a "YouTube" of Terell Stafford playing a Lee Morgan composition "Petty Larceny" with support from Tim Warfield-Tenor Sax, Bruce Barth-Piano, Peter Washington-Bass and Dana Hall-Drums.

CD Review: Joanne Tatham: "Out Of My Dreams"

Gifted singer Joanne Tatham has published her third CD, "Out of My Dreams" and it's terrific!  Joanne has a beautiful, clear voice that she uses in a wonderful way to put life into the lyrics of the songs she selected for this CD.  The songs she selected cover a great musical territory and would be a challenge for even the most experienced singer but Joanne believe's it's worth the risks and it turns out she was right.  In putting this CD together,  Joanne gathered some of the most sought-after musicians in the business today featuring John Clayton, Tamir Hendelman, Peter Erskine and Bob Sheppard.  She also convinced gifted Jazz singer and Songwriter Mark Winkler to produce her CD.  With a supporting cast like this, Joanne's beautiful voice and sense of tempo and eleven handpicked great songs, I was not surprised at the high quality of this CD. This CD and Joanne's two other CDs are available on Amazon,  iTunes, and CDBaby.

           PLAYLISTS
1. "You Taught My Heart To Sing"                          2. "Without Him"
3. "Devil May Care"                                                  4. "Vivo Sonhando"
5. "Cool"                                                                     6. "Double Life"
7. "Detour Ahead"                                                     8. "Too Long In LA"
9. "You're Sensational"                                             10. "In A Lonely Place'
11. "Out Of My Dreams"

           Artist Credits:


Joanne Tatham: Vocals and Background Vocals, Lyrics on #6, Arrangement on #9

Tamir Hendelman: Piano and Arrangements on  #1,5,6,7,10

Jamieson Trotter: Piano and Arrangements on #2,8 Piano only #3,4,11

Peter Erskine: Drums on #2,5,7,10

Bob Sheppard: Sax on #1,10

Lyman Medeiros: Bass on #2,3,4,8,11

Mike Shapiro: Drums and Percussion on 2,3,4,6,8,11

Marcel Camargo: Guitar on #2,4,9

Eli Brueggemann: Arrangements on #3,4

Mark Winkler: Producer

I found a "YouTube" video of Joanne singing "Devil May Care" performed live at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in NYC on 11/14/2011.  Eli Brueggemann on Piano, Steve Doyle on Bass, Steve Harkness on Guitar and Valerie Naranjo on Percussion.

CD Review: Katie Thiroux Debut CD "Introducing Katie Thiroux"

Bassist/Singer/Composer Katie Thiroux released her first CD on February 3, 2015 titled "Introducing Katie Thiroux".  Before I even listened to this CD, I read the liner notes and knew this CD from Katie Thiroux would be terrific.  Soon after I was able to see Katie in person when she performed with the Larry Fuller Trio and Graham Dechter at "Pete Carlson's Jazz For Jazz Lovers Series".  When I first listened to Katie's CD, I was so focused on her beautiful voice and singing style, I somewhat overlooked her great Bass playing.  However, at the Graham Dechter concert,  Katie's Bass brilliance was in full view.  Katie told me that she had always loved Ray Brown and that she had spent some time working with John Clayton.  At the concert, she played a couple of great Ray Brown arrangements,  and if you closed your eyes, you might have thought is was Ray Brown or John Clayton playing.  The audience loved her Bass playing and she received many rounds of applause every time she played a solo riff.

Katie Thiroux is a multi-talented musical threat, she sings with great style as good as any of the best Jazz singers around today and her Bass playing would be welcomed in the best Jazz groups.
Katie studied with the great Jazz Vocalist Tierney Sutton.  So she has had guidance from two Jazz giants, Clayton and Sutton.  The results of her years of study are evident in her Bass playing and her singing, she is one of the best around in both categories.  Here is a quote from John Clayton "Katie has developed into a swinging and "Killer" Base player!  Of course, I heard her talent and advanced abilities when she was younger, but her playing now is something else--It's at another level. I'm talking about the level of playing that allows the groove to feel right, the arrangements well thought out and rehearsed and the performance to be tight".  Quite a compliant from one of the Best Bass players in Jazz history!

True of all the very best musicians, Katie has put together an impressive group of musicians to join her quartet on her debut CD.  Graham Dechter, a celebrated guitarist was at nineteen the youngest member of the acclaimed Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.  In addition, his credits include work with Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, John Pizzarelli, singers Jon Hendrick, Nancy Wilson and Kurt Elling.  Not too bad for someone that is only in his late 20's, don't you think?  Saxophonist, Flutist, Composer, Arranger and Music educator, Roger Neumann added a wonderful warmth to Katie's singing and Bass playing.  Matt Witek a former student of Grammy-winning Drummer, Jeff Hamilton was on Drums, and you can tell he must have been a wonderful student.  His Drum work is excellent, both creative and solid at the same time.

Katie has written three interesting instrumentals for her CD.  "Ray's Kicks" is  dedicated to Ray Brown.  Katie says she was inspired by a pair of Ray's stylish shoes that were gifted to her.  "Rosebird" was written on the framework of Earl Hines's "Rosetta" and Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite". "Can't We Just Pretend" is a beautiful ballad with an Ellington flavor and it's delightful.

This may be Katie Thiroux's first CD but she has already established that she has established place to be among the Jazz giants in years to come!

                Playlist:
1. "There's A Small Hotel"                                         2. "Don't Be On The Outside"
3. "A Beautiful Friendship"                                        4. "Wives and Lovers"
5. "I'm Old Fashioned"                                               6. "Ray's Kicks"
7. "The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)"      8. "Rosebud"
9. "Can't We Just Pretend?"                                        10. "Shiny Stockings"
11. "Oh What A Beautiful Morning"

I found a "Youtube" video of Katie singing "Wives and Lovers" for your hearing pleasure.

CD Review: Graham Dechter "Takin It There"

Graham Dechter

John Clayton, Graham Dechter, Tamir Hendelman and Jeff Hamilton

Listen up all my Jazz guitar fans!  New guitar sensation, Graham Dechter is in the house with his first lead album, "Takin' It There" and the sounds on it are just out of sight. Graham is in his early 20's but you would never know it from the great riffs and sweet sounds he gets out of his guitar. And if Graham's fresh sounds and arrangements are not enough for you, he comes prepared with sensational piano player Tamir Hendelman who is joined by two of my all-time living Jazz greats, John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums. I have been in love with the music of Clayton and Hamilton ever since they teamed up with Diana Krall on perhaps her best Jazz album of all times, "Diana Krall, Live In Paris".  What comes to mind when listening to Graham and this group is fresh arrangements that are crisp and clean. This group of musicians could possibly be the best Jazz group playing today.

All four of these great musicians had a hand in the arrangements and Graham wrote two of the songs on the CD.  John Clayton also wrote "Grease for Graham" for the CD. If you know someone who loves great Jazz whether young or old, get them this CD. It is a high-end University course for anyone who wants to know the best of Jazz that being made today.

Graham Dechter and his group are touring around but mostly on the West Coast.  Check out Graham's site for his schedule.  This group is worth any effort to get to hear them in person. Congratulations, Graham for recording such a wonderful album and for bringing Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton to the party! I have attached a "YouTube" clip of Graham playing "Takin' It There" from his album of the same name.

                                           

"Live" CDs Trump "Studio" CD's Almost Every TIme!

Brown Onions

I had an interesting conversation with one of my favorite singers, Aubrey Tadman, about why it seems that CDs recorded "live" produce better recordings compared to recordings by the same musician that are cut in a "studio". I am sure many of you have purchased CDs recorded by an artist who you heard singing "live"in a club or restaurant. You loved the artist's performance but when you got home and listened to one of their recorded CDs, it just didn't have the exact effect on you as did the live performance, right?

I would like to offer some reasons that cause this difference. First, music is art and in great music and works of art, producing a perfect reproduction of your subject or written notes in a song, can be great but seldom outstanding. Most time the beauty in art and music is found in the embodiment of emotion that the painter or singer adds to the subject. Also, sometimes slight imperfections in art and music can enhance the value to the listener or viewer. Life is not perfect but real beauty in life can be found when we uncover the emotional spirit of the creator, unveiling not only the perfect parts but also the slightly bruised parts.

Consider the difference between two of the best singers of the Great American Songbook,  Frank Sinatra and Vic Damone.  Even Sinatra said more than once that Vic Damone had the best singing voice of anyone he had ever heard, and I have no argument with that.  Damone has had a wonderful career, lots of fans and sold millions of records So what was missing in his recordings that put Sinatra on the top of the heap? I think the answer is Sinatra's ability to bring his life experiences both good and bad and inject them into his recordings. If anyone can record in a studio and instill emotional life into the cuts, Sinatra can; but to me, Sinatra's greatest recordings are the ones recorded live. They were not as perfect as his studio recordings. A Great performance like great art can sometimes create greater value with slight blemishes or imperfections. Listening audiences do not necessarily crave perfection but they do want emotional reality.

The last factor in the mix is the emotional lift that all performers get from an appreciative audience. If you ever played or sung for a live audience, you know exactly what I mean. Another friend of mine, the great bassist, Jim De Julio played in Sinatra's band in Vegas for years. Jim shared this story with me.  Just before the curtain was set to go up, Jim would look over to the side and he would see Sinatra standing there waiting to come on.  According to Jim, he would almost know exactly when the curtain would rise because he could see Sinatra's blue eyes actually getting bigger and this was Jim's signal that Frank was ready to roll. As great as Sinatra was, he always became bigger than life on stage and I believe it made his live recordings just the greatest!

I have attached a couple of YouTube recordings that I think support my point. The first is a live recording from Diana Krall from her "Live In Paris" CD.  As you listen to this recording, I believe you can feel the emotion and love for great American Jazz coming straight from the audience to Diana and her band which impacted her performance.  This is one of my all-time favorite "live" CDs and one of the reasons is the great supporting musicians that performed with her.  I don't think it is possible to put a better Jazz group together than this one with the great Jeff Hamilton on Drums, the one and only John Clayton on Bass and the marvelous Anthony Wilson on Guitar.
                                 
                                                   Diane Krall "Live In Paris" CD

The second YouTube is of Ella Fitzgerald singing "Mack The Knife" from her 1960 classic "Ella In Berlin" recording. It's far from perfect but just a brilliant recording!

Dance The Night Away With Music By The 17 Piece Ted Herman Orchestra At The Indio Performing Arts Center

Ted Herman And The Ted Herman Orchestra

Beverly Jensen

The Ted Herman Orchestra with Beverly Jensen

Beverly Jensen and John Leys

On Sunday February 26th I went over to the Indio Performing Arts Center to see "The Ted Herman Orchestra".  I had learned that "The Ted Herman Band" has a weekly gig every Sunday evening at the Arts Center and that my good friend, Beverly Jensen, was singing this evening. By chance, I happened to sit next to Ronald Hagan and soon learned that he was a member of the IPAC Board of Directors and he filled me in as to what the Indio Performing Arts Center is all about. The music and dance program at the IPAC is not advertised much and those who know about it most likely discovered it from word of mouth.  Here is the deal, every Sunday at 6:15 PM, the program starts with a dance lesson taught by Carl Davis.  Then at starting at 7:00 PM until 9PM, the 17-piece Ted Herman Orchestra takes over and plays some great "big band" standard classics from charts that Ted Herman has put together over the years. All all this great music and dancing will cost you $10.00.

There were about 120 people that came to participate in tonight's program and I do mean participate.  Everyone danced and the dance floor was large enough for everyone to show off their dancing moves. Even when the band took it's breaks, the floor was still full of dancer, dancing to pre-recorded music.
I am pretty sure that at lot of my Desert followers are learning about the IPAC from this blog and that's a good thing.  There are very few places in the country where you can go to dance to live music by an 17-piece live band, never mind for $10.00. I know I will be going back especially to see two of my favorite singers that are usually featured with this band, Larry Capeloto and Lee Hartley.

I heard the Ted Herman band last winter when they were playing in Palm Springs at Dinks but the sound tonight in this big dance hall compared to the small space they were in at Dinks was so much better in opinion.  They sounded as good as any big band I have heard and being able to dance on such big dance floor with the band elevated on a full stage made the experience just about perfect.

My good friend, Beverly Jensen was featured with the band tonight and she came to sing and take no prisoners.  She opened with the great standard, "Lullaby of Broadway" and continued with several other standard classics including a great rendition and arrangement of "Come Rain or Come Shine". Beverly has a great resume' that includes touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra directed by Trombonist Murray McEachern. She recorded her first and very successful CD "Ken and Beverly, Watch What Happens" in 1966. Over the years, Beverly has sang with many musical greats, like Cal Tjader, Ted Herman, Bob Hardaway, Ray Sherman, Buddy Childers, Joe Pass, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton and her husband, John Leys. The vocal arrangements for Beverly tonight were just outstanding and I found out later that Beverly's husband, John Leys did all the arranging. Beverly has a pure strong voice that never fails to amaze me.

Make sure that the next time you feel like going out to dance, that you make it over to the IPAC.  By the way, I did see that there were two large tables that were set up for singles and I saw most of these guests dancing most of the time also!  Believe or not this program has been running for 5 years and "The Ted Herman Orchestra" has been playing here on Sunday for the last two years. If you want to hear this band this season, make plans to go before the end of March as the program will stop.  It will begin again in November.